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2019 Volvo XC90 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 Volvo XC90 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 42owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
42 complaints, against an average of 42 for the other 13 Volvo XC90 model years.
Every Volvo XC90 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 Volvo XC90?
The components named most often in the 42 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 Volvo XC90 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 42 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2019 Volvo XC90 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2019 Volvo XC90 as of November 2, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAFront seat belts
Risk: On affected vehicles the front left seat bolts may not have been torqued according to specification which could reduce the occupant protection in an impact.
Fix: Re-torque front seat bolts.
UK DVSABCM2 SW – Safety Notice
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill with ‘B’ mode selected or when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.
Fix: Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.
UK DVSASPA1 Cell Modules
Risk: On affected vehicles the High Voltage (HV) Battery may have a manufacturing defect which could cause the battery cells to overheat when the HV Battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario there is a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked up with a fully charged HV Battery.
Fix: Check and replace the HV Battery if necessary and install modified software.
UK DVSABCM2 – Push Road
Risk: The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario if the rod disconnects the brake pedal function cannot be guaranteed
Fix: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.
UK DVSAThe anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured.The anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-case scenario this may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a collision.
Risk: The anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-case scenario this may not provide sufficient protection in the event of a collision
Fix: Inspect and re-install.
UK DVSAThrust bearing in turbo charger might not be robust enough
Risk: The thrust bearing in the turbo charger may not be robust enough.
Fix: Replace turbocharger with a modified version which has an improved thrust bearing.
UK DVSAPotentially insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake system
Risk: There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.
Fix: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.
UK DVSAThere is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump from operating
Risk: There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.
Fix: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.
UK DVSASoftware issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage
Risk: The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision
Fix: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded
UK DVSAPossible loss of power whilst driving
Risk: Possible loss of power whilst driving.
Fix: Vehicles must have updated software downloaded.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSAAn engine cooling system hose may break
Risk: An engine cooling system hose may break and could cause a coolant leak.
Fix: Replace the hose on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAPossible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm)
Risk: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
Fix: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.
EU Safety GateThe nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are above the regulatory limits.Excessive NOx emissions pose a risk to the environment.
Measures: Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe second row seat belt buckle may have not been tightened to the correct torque.As a result, the seat belt may not provide sufficient protection for the second row passengers in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/12/2023
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing defect, there may be a loose item within the steering gear.This can cause the steering to lock while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/12/2022
EU Safety GateThe 15A fuse to the low-pressure fuel pump may blow.As a result, the engine could stall and not be able start, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWhen liquid/droplets are present on the rear seat control display, there´s a risk that the signal to the display is maintained and…When liquid/droplets are present on the rear seat control display, there´s a risk that the signal to the display is maintained and perceived by the system as a “constant” touch. As a result, the front seat could be inadvertently moved until its end position, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/04/2021
EU Safety GateDue to an excessive build-up of carbon deposits in the intake system, the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform.As a result, a localized engine bay fire may occur.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA software problem has been detected in the communication module of the emergency call system.As a consequence, incorrect location information might be sent to the emergency services in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2019 Volvo XC90 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 Volvo XC90 owners report?
12 of the 42 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Coming from a cold start in hybrid or pure mode the ERAD disengages causing the vehicle to slow down, hesitate and buck until the gas engine can engage to recover acceleration.
COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: The primary brake booster assembly and vacuum pump failed twice. The vehicle remains fully assembled and grounded at Volvo Cars White Plains, available for immediate inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: Both incidents involved primary braking system failure while traveling downhill. During the second failure on August 4, 2026, the vehicle completely overshot a residential intersection, crossed a perpendicular road, and overran the pavement, coming to a stop at the edge of the opposite traffic lane directly where a sharp hill forms and drops off. DEALER CONFIRMATION…
The exterior chrome trim on the door handle has severely delaminated and flaked. The peeling metallic coating has separated from the plastic handle structure, creating a razor-sharp edge. This component is located on a primary vehicle entry point, creating an immediate laceration hazard to anyone attempting to open the door. The flaking metal shards are sharp enough to cut fingers or hands during normal vehicle operation, posing a particular safety risk to children or anyone unfamiliar with the vehicle's defect. This is a known manufacturing material failure affecting 2019 Volvo models.
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and or while the vehicle was parked, the A/C unit became inoperable, and the defogger failed to clear the front windshield. The contact stated that the A/C was shifted to the MAX setting to operate as needed to defrost the windshield with an abnormal odor blowing through the vents. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the front evaporator core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
The front and rear evaporator core of my 2019 Volvo XC90 has failed and I no longer have air conditioning. This issue was diagnosed by a dealer. The evaporator core failure is a massive, widely documented issue specifically targeting the 2016–2020 Volvo SPA-platform models. According to my research, Volvo sold approx. 370,000 vehicles in the US during this period. At roughly $5,000 per vehicle, the owners are being asked to spend over a billion dollars on this known, product defect. Volvo is fully aware of this defect, yet they refuse to cover the full cost of the repair. They issued an…
The suspension module failed due to water accumulation on floorboards. Suspect other electronics may be at risk. Water ingress cause by a combination of what dealer said was a worn out sunroof gasket and two of four drains that became plugged. Further examination from dealer found the plugged drains were crimped from when the vehicle was manufactured. The dealer blamed the excessive water ingress was further allowed by a failed sunroof seal. The vehicle has always been serviced by the dealer and problem areas like that were either not inspected or not reported. The seal appears as good as the…
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lurched forward while switching back and forth between electric and gasoline mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving three years later. Additionally, the turtle warning light was illuminated with the message "Engine System Reduced Performance". The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Some back info: I keep the auto start/stop feature disabled. There are three identical incidents total. One about a year or two ago and two back to back a few weeks ago. The first time I was stopped at a drive through but in “drive” with my foot on the brake. All of the sudden the car completely turns off. Screens black, engine off. Completely black car no inside lights on. Within a couple of seconds, I hear the engine reengage and the car “starts” as normal like when you turn the switch. All of the lights and screens turn on and apple car play reconnects. The most recent two incidents were…
Upon driving a symbol with a turtle and engine cation sign flashed upon the dash displaying and reading reduced power train mode as this is being shown on dash the passenger next to me smelt smoke as we next seen smoke coming from the air conditioning system we immediately pulled over to the safest spot out of the ongoing traffic as smoke continued to worsen now under the hood when flames engulfed the engine and spread to rest of car.
While driving, the brakes completely failed without any warning. There were no signs, alerts, or symptoms prior to the failure. The braking ability was suddenly and entirely lost, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Upon inspection, it was determined that the brake booster had failed. This component failure directly caused the complete loss of braking power. Because this occurred without warning or prior indication and such an unexpected failure not only poses a significant safety risk to the driver and passengers but endangers everyone on the road, and it represents a severe safety…
After a software update the backup camera’s field of view is super focused on the tailgate, license plate, and the immediate ground below. This is a safety concern as there have been a few near misses at parking lot speeds.
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after stopping and parking the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact's fiancée arrived on the scene and was able to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle later failed to restart, and the gear shifter seized. The message "Gear Lever Lock" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the panoramic sunroof seal strip had a gap, allowing debris and water into the vehicle, clogging the drain, and rendering the vehicle inoperable. The mechanic disassembled the entire interior and…
2019 Volvo XC90: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Volvo XC90; the most common categories were electrical system (11, 26.2%), engine (10, 23.8%), service brakes (6, 14.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC90?
Across 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (26.2% of complaints), engine (23.8% of complaints), service brakes (14.3% of complaints), visibility (11.9% of complaints), structure (9.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
As of November 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2019 Volvo XC90. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the air conditioning not blowing cold in my 2019 Volvo XC90?
5 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volvo XC90 (11.9%) describe the air conditioning not cooling or failing. One owner wrote: "Air conditioning failed to function as soon as vehicle lease was up. Less than 45k miles on a 3 year old car. Stopped working, hot air blowing in the middle of summer no less. This does not appear to be a part that is on the maintenance interval list." (NHTSA complaint 11566341, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Volvo XC90 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 42 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volvo XC90 (9.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle started experiencing stalling and when trying to accelerate it would not pick up on speed, I have been quoted by Volvo that the supercharger is bad on a car that is only 6 years old." (NHTSA complaint 11663618, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own XC90
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2019 only; combines NHTSA's entries for XC90 T5, XC90 T6 and XC90 T8. How these reports are made.